The Duke of Cambridge to attend the British Military Tournament

The Duke of Cambridge will attend the British Military Tournament on Sunday 8th December.

On Sunday 8 December, The Duke of Cambridge will be in attendance for the British Military Tournament, at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London. The event is in support of the of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

“Over the last three years, the Tournament has raised in excess of £450,000 for the three individual service charities of Britain’s armed forces,” according to the British Military Tournament website. It is the largest fundraising event to assist the British Armed Forces three charities.

The theme of this year’s event is the focus on British Military heroes and legends. Ranging from Admiral Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar to the Bletchley Park code breakers during World War II, the gala will also celebrate present members of the military and honour their service.

According to Kensington Palace the Tournament will include:

Over 500 participants including Royal Marine Commandos
Over 100 horses and two camels
The Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, the Central Band of The RAF and the London Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums
The legendary Field Gun Run
The Motorcycle Display Team of the Royal Signals’ White Helmets
Vintage & current armoured vehicles, a hot air balloon and a helicopter

In 1999, the 120 year old Royal Tournament, as it was known then, put on its last show. In December 2010, the first British Military Tournament opened to sell-out crowds. The success of the 2010 show had the Ministry of Defence approve a 2011 Tournament with Her Majesty in attendance on opening night.

The British Military Tournament commemorated the 2012 Diamond Jubilee with a show stopping display of over 150 horse, 600 troops, and various bands. For the first time since Her Majesty’s birth in 1926, the Household Calvary Horses competed with the Royal Signals’ White Helmets motorcycles in a spectacular obstacle course.

The Tournament will take place on 7 and 8 December at Earls Court in London.